WHITLEY, England—Jaguar Land Rover Automotive P.L.C. has unveiled a new noise-cancellation technology designed to remove unwanted road and tire sounds from the vehicle cabin.
The Active Acoustics technology by Silentium uses sensors on each wheel to monitor vibrations constantly from the road surface, JLR said in an Oct. 12 statement.
Using real-time monitoring, the system emits its own controlled vibrations, "superposing" sound-waves that would otherwise be heard by the vehicle occupants.
"We are committed to creating a haven for our customers, and this new technology allows us to remove unwanted noises from the cabin," Iain Suffield, JLR refinement advanced technologies specialist, said. "It makes the experience more tranquil, improving passenger wellbeing and helping to reduce cognitive load and thus reaction times. This research is all part of the journey to Destination Zero."
The technology is being introduced on JLR's new Jaguar F-PACE, Jaguar XF and Range Rover Velar models. Active Acoustic can help prevent driver fatigue on longer journeys by reducing exposure to low-frequency noise, the company said.
For frequencies up to 300 Hz, noise peaks can be cut by 10dB and overall noise levels by 3-4dB—the equivalent of turning down an in-car sound system by four "steps." Tired motorists have an average reaction time increase of 16.72 percent compared to those fully alert, JLR said.
"Active Road Noise Cancellation technology not only has the potential to improve road safety but also well-being and quality of life for our customers," said Dr. Steve Iley, JLR's chief medical officer. "In a post-coronavirus world, where a 'new normal' is emerging, we expect customer expectations of private transport to change. An extra focus will be placed on safe, clean mobility where personal space, well-being and hygiene carry a premium."